Blackhawks' Keith suspended 5 games

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended five games for his elbow to the jaw of Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin during Wednesday night's game at the United Center.

NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan explained in a video Friday that Keith was suspended for breaking Rule 45 (elbowing), which is the use of an extended elbow in a manner that may or may not cause injury.

During the first period of the intense game between Western Conference rivals, Keith elbowed Sedin in the jaw and the Canucks winger is believed to have suffered a concussion that reportedly will have him miss two weeks. Earlier in the period, Sedin had checked Keith into the boards with a shoulder to the head.

"Regardless of Keith's assertion that the intent on this play was to impede Sedin's progress as opposed to a retaliation for an earlier hit, Keith's hit was still dangerous, reckless and caused injury," Shanahan explained. "We've also taken into consideration Keith's supplemental discipline record, which includes no suspensions and one fine over nearly seven NHL seasons."

Following Friday's practice at the United Center, Keith said: "Everything happens fast. Obviously, it's a heated rivalry that has a lot of attention in the games. There are things that happen. There are lots of things over the past that have happened with our teams that have gotten a lot of media attention."

Keith added that, "I feel like I'm a pretty stand-up player out on the ice. I respect (Shanahan's) decisions and his job and the NHL's job."

Keith will forfeit $149,688.15 during the suspension. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.